Overview of Legal Fees
While Colorado divorce and child custody cases can be costly, The Harris Law Firm works to ensure that our clients receive the highest quality legal representation in the most cost-effective manner possible. The degree of conflict between the parties is the single most significant factor that increases the cost of Colorado family law cases, and for this reason our attorneys work to diffuse arguments and limit conflict whenever possible. By keeping discord to a minimum and focusing on the settlement of your case, the attorneys at The Harris Law Firm work to resolve your issue and reduce your legal costs.
Attorney fees at the Firm range from $165 per hour to $285 per hour, and all fees are detailed in your monthly statement. The Firm is happy to provide this information to you on paper or electronically. Please be advised that our attorneys are trained to explain the financial ramifications of all of the decisions you make in your family law case and can counsel you on ways that you can keep your legal fees to a minimum.
There are two ways to work with an attorney at The Harris Law Firm:
1. Full Service Representation
Full Service Representation is when your attorney fully represents you and handles all aspects of your case. Full representation will include the preparation of pleadings, communicating with opposing counsel, communicating with the court, hiring experts and appearing with you in court.
2. Unbundled Services
Retaining the firm for Unbundled Services means that you hire an attorney as a consultant. Your attorney will advise you regarding your case, and may prepare some pleadings, but the attorney will not enter an appearance with the court or communicate with opposing counsel or the opposing party.
When you hire an attorney to provide Unbundled Services, you are solely responsible for the management of your case. You must meet all court deadlines, file all necessary pleadings, fully comply with all discovery requests, and communicate with the court and with opposing counsel. Hiring an attorney on an unbundled basis means that you will appear to outsiders to be acting pro se, or without legal representation.
How Much Will This Cost?
1. Retaining the firm will require an initial deposit, or “retainer” to get your attorney started on your case. The amount of the retainer will vary depending upon the your circumstances, but the average cost of a divorce case will range from $2,500 to $10,000. The specific amount depends on your unique situation and the amount of conflict that exists between the parties involved. The best way to determine how much your case could cost and to learn more about the actions you can take to reduce your potential legal fees is to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys. To set up an appointment, please contact us via email, or call us Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at 303 299 9484.
2. To create an unbundled agreement with the Firm so you can receive help and advice from an attorney, but not be represented by them, you must sign an unbundled fee agreement. The agreement states that your meetings with your attorney will be scheduled at the firm, and that the attorney will not appear in court and will not speak with the opposing party, or opposing counsel. The amount of the initial retainer for unbundled services starts at $1,000.
What if I don’t use my full retainer?
If your attorney does not use the entire amount of your retainer, the balance will be refunded to you.
We accept the following credit cards for all legal fees
Testimonials:
"My attorney knew my financial situation and amazingly looked out for my legal interests as well as my legal expenses. She recommended things based on what was best for my children and steered me away from items that were costly and unnecessary”.
Richard Franz
Divorce Case
Denver, CO
View additional client testimonial
Pro Bono:
The Harris Law Firm obtains pro bono clients from Colorado Legal Services. Please contact them at 303 837 1313.
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